Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly

Kelly, Erin Entrada. 2020. New York City, NY; Greenwillow Books. ISBN 006241416X

Virgil is a little boy that feels out of place in his family, and really in his world. He

is bullied at school for being different. As like most boys his age, Virgil develops

a crush on a little girl. Unlike most boys his age, the said crush is deaf. He

befriends a self-proclaimed psychic and sets off on adventures of self-discovery.

One day, Virgil finds himself alone (with only his pet guinea pig for company) and

trapped in the bottom of a well. It takes bravery and true friendship to help Virgil

out of the sticky spot he finds himself in.

The cultural influence in this novel can be seen in the main characters’ different

backgrounds and homelives. Starting with Virgil, who is a Filippino boy that

enjoys listening to stories told by his grandmother, or his Lola. Then we have

sisters Kaori and Gen Tanaka, who were raised with a Japanese heritage. These

girls are obsessed with astrology and enjoy telling people their fortunes. Finally,

we have Valencia, who is almost completely deaf, yet is still spunky and does not

let her disability slow her down.

While Virgil was in the well, he kept referring to his inner bayani, which is a

Filippino term that refers to his inner hero. This is a cultural reference to the

heritage in which Virgil was raised. Another nod toward Virgil’s Philippino

heritage, was the mention of Pah, who was a mythological gigantic bird that was

said to eat people. All of these references to the Philippino culture help give way

to a more culturally sound novel.

Booklist: “Four middle-schoolers’ fates intertwine one summer in Kelly’s touching tale of friendship. . . .

Chapters alternate between the four kids’ perspectives, infusing the story with their unique

interests, backgrounds, beliefs, and doubts. …Readers will be instantly engrossed in this

relatable neighborhood adventure and its eclectic cast.”

School Library Journal: “Plucky protagonists and a deftly woven story will appeal to anyone who has ever felt a bit lost

in the universe. Readers across the board will flock to this book that has something for nearly

everyone—humor, bullying, self-acceptance, cross-generational relationships, and a smartly

fateful ending.”

Wolk, Lauren. BEYOND THE BRIGHT SEA. ISBN 9781101994870.

Barnhill, Kelly. THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON. ISBN 1616207469.

O’Connor, Barbara. WISH. ISBN 1250144051.

Ms. Nichols Reads